Coverity

"Vessel is the Solidarity light cruiser, Coverity," said Zen.

"How long until we are within their weapon range?" asked Astra.

"Coverity will reach its effective weapons range in 39 seconds," said Zen.

"Can we outrun them?" asked Stacy.

"We aren't leaving," said Astra. "Activate defensive fields."

"Confirmed."

"Maybe you haven't seen what those Solidarity cruisers are capable of," said Ogilvy. "This is an impressive ship but I don't think you should risk spoiling it. Especially with me on board."

"I want to get back onto that space station," said Astra.

"We should at least try communicating with them," said Ogilvy. "Maybe they don't mean us any harm."

Astra looked at him skeptically but then shrugged. "Zen, we want to talk to them."

"Transmission systems are controlled by communication control panel."

"That's not very helpful," said Ogilvy.

Astra looked at the control panel and held up her hands. "I don't know how to do that..."

"I do," said Kester sitting down in one of the command chairs and examining the control panel.. "It's just a case of... Ahh!" as soon as Kester touched the control panel he pulled back his hand. "It shocked me!"

"I don't think you've got permission," said Stacy.

"Zen, target weapons," said Astra.

"Targeting confirmed," said Zen.

"No, Astra, wait," said Stacy. "Zen, give Kester command privilages."

"We can't wait any longer," said Astra.

"Give me a chance," said Kester, rapidly punching buttons on the control panel. "This is Maelstrom calling Solidarity ship, Coverity, acknowledge." There was no response.

"It isn't working," said Ogilvy.

"Coverity, come in," said Kester.

A voice crackled over the intercom. "This is Coverity actual. Identify yourself."

Kester looked to Astra and gestured towards the intercom system.

"This is the independant ship, Maelstrom," said Astra. "Keep your distance or we will be forced to defend ourselves."

There was a brief pause then the intercom crackled into life again.

"Starship Maelstrom, stand down and prepare to be boarded. This system is now under Solidarity control."

Kester pressed a button on the control panel, breaking the communications. "We either run or we fight," he said firmly, looking at Astra. "And choose quickly."

They looked at the ship on the screen, getting nearer.

"Coverity will reach its effective weapons range in 5 seconds," said Zen.

1. Astra opens fire

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